ChiIL Fun Sept 15-Oct. 15, 2007 (with quick links)
ChiIL Fun
September 15-October 15
http://www.drummondlsc.org/main/ for one click links. All events are free unless cost is mentioned.
Welcome back. I hope everyone had a wondrous summer. Hello to the newbies. I’m Julie, your cruise activities director—just kidding. I’m Bonnie, Mom to two Drummond students, and explorer of magical happenings in our own back yard.
In Chicago, IL (or ChiIL), there’s never a problem finding something cool to do. The trouble is figuring out what you’ll regret missing the most. So on that note, the first column will be a recap of favorite links and fun sources.
Check in with the largest park district in the nation Check in with the largest park district in the nation http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com for fall classes and events for all ages. North Park Nature Center at 5801 N. Pulaski Rd. is particularly great, with free classes and events for children. Call 312-744-5472 to get the nature center’s quarterly newsletter.
Your Tax dollars at work… Log on to www.cityofchicago.org
Click the links for exploring Chicago, then kids and family
for free city sponsored special events. Event highlights include the following:
The Art of Play: Summer in Chicago 2007 includes more than 150 interactive events, performances, demonstrations, tours and exhibitions featuring toys, games and the spirit of play through September 30.Mayor Daley’s Kids and Kites Festival at Cricket Hill, Montrose Harbor Sept 29th
Niki in the Garden ends Oct 31st. Come enjoy more than 30 monumental outdoor sculptures by phenomenal artist Niki de Saint Phalle at the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Ukrainian Village Children’s Art Center
http://uvcc.home.mindspring.com/
This local gem is run by Sarah Boone, artist, mother of two, and creator of a unique space for children to play, grow and expand their imaginations. Several classes each week are taught by Drummond’s own Mom extraordinaire, Cindy Nicita. Her woodland fairy class already has a waiting list, so check in early and often. Class fees vary, but are reasonable.
826CHI www.826CHI.org
Do you want to be a spy when you grow up? Check out The Boring Store at 1331 N. Milwaukee for all your secret agent, undercover supplies. The biggest secret, 826CHI, is behind the store. This nonprofit organization offers free, highly creative, writing workshops, tutoring and homework help for 6-18 year olds.
You can’t enjoy mUSEUMs unless U-See-Um
We have a wealth of cultural institutions including The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Peggy Notebaert Nature Center, The Science and Industry Museum and an array of smaller, free museums. The Art Institute of Chicago http://www.artic.edu/aic/kids/index.php is a special favorite, and was voted most kid-friendly art museum in the nation.
Go City Kids
Sure, www.gocitykids.com is funded by Viacom, but the local editor is a punk, vegan mother of two, and gives alternative Chicago events a fair representation. This is the Cliff Notes of Chicago’s Children’s events and they’ll deliver a free weekly update to your in box.We’ll be teaming up with student writers this year, and there‘s always room for more great recommendations, so contact Bonnie Kenaz-Mara at if you have any additions for ChiIL Fun.
